I can't use the fonts I just installed. What's wrong?

Question: I can't use the fonts I just installed. What's wrong?

Occasionally installation will hit a snag. Some problems can be fixed by deleting then reinstalling the font. But first, make sure you've followed all the steps to obtaining fonts, opening archives, and installing the fonts as described in the font installation FAQ.

Answer:

Get rid of the installed fonts and start over:

• How to Delete TrueType/OpenType Fonts in Windows
  

• How To Uninstall Fonts in Windows XP

A little more installation help from the Fonts FAQ:

• My Windows Font Folder is missing 'Install New Font' command. How do I fix?

• How do I see actual file names in the Windows Fonts folder?

If the installation appears to go smoothly but the font isn't working or your software application can't see it, here are some suggestions:

• If downloaded from the Web, the file may have become corrupted. Try downloading the file again and reinstalling. If possible, download the font from a different source.

• Make sure you are installing a font for your platform - there is a difference between Mac and Windows fonts unless using OpenType fonts.

• If installing a PostScript Type 1 font, make sure you have both font files.

• If installing a PostScript Type 1 font under Windows 2000 or Windows XP and you currently have or previously had Adobe Type Manager Deluxe 4.0, 4.1, or 4.1.1 installed you may need the Adobe Deluxe Updater in order to properly use your Type 1 fonts. It fixes registry problems associated with installing or uninstalling Adobe Type Manager Deluxe with Windows 2000 or XP. There is also an ATM Light Updater for ATM Light users. Due to Windows 2000 and XPs built-in support of Type 1 fonts, ATM can interfere or cause registry problems when uninstalled.

• Not all programs can use TrueType, OpenType, and PostScript Type 1 fonts, especially older or DOS-based programs. Some programs use proprietory font formats. Check the documentation for your software to be sure it supports the type of font you are trying to use.

• If the font came from a reputable commercial source such as Adobe, Bitstream, or Monotype, it's rare that the font itself is the problem. However, some freeware and shareware fonts are not of the highest quality and can present various problems with some software. Try them in a different program. Still having problems? You may have to abandon that font.

• Some font problems arise when you have duplicate fonts installed. See the article Locate Font Files for tips on how to find where fonts may be hiding on your system.

If you've exhausted all other possibilities and are still having font problems, post a message on the About Type & Fonts forum explaining your problem and what steps you've already taken to resolve them. We'll try to help.

^{Font installation and uninstalling OpenType fonts is the same as for TrueType fonts. However, OpenType fonts are cross-platform so the same font file works on both Windows and Macintosh.}